What is a standard solution?

A standard solution is defined as a solution of known strength or concentration. It is used in various analytical chemistry processes, specifically in titrations, where the precise concentration of a reactant is crucial for achieving accurate and reliable results. By knowing the exact concentration of a standard solution, a chemist can determine the concentration of an unknown solution through comparison and calculation.

This precise knowledge allows for various quantitative analyses, such as determining the amount of a substance in a sample or calibrating instruments used in measurements. The accuracy of the analysis heavily relies on the ability to work with a solution that has a well-defined concentration, making the standard solution a foundational element in laboratory practices.

Other types of solutions, such as those with unknown strengths or used for emergency or filtration purposes, lack this defined concentration and therefore do not serve the same purpose in analytical contexts. The clarity and reliability provided by a standard solution are what make it essential in chemical analysis and research.